German couple's gambling controversy on Mallorca: Is it an illicit casino or a harmless theme event?
Last week, the Spanish police interrupted a fancy dinner party in Palma de Mallorca, which they claimed was a clandestine casino organized by Germans. However, the hosts insisted that no real money exchanged hands and the evening was just a themed event.
Some shady dealings uncovered since mid-2023
The German couple had been under investigation since the middle of last year regarding their casino gatherings, according to Mallorca Magazin. The authorities finally deemed these parties to be a form of illegal gambling.
Each attendee had paid 49 euros to enter the "Casino Royale" event at the chic Bahía Mediterráneo restaurant. They received drinks and 500 chips to play with, which were subsequently seized by the police. Besides, other gambling equipment such as playing cards, poker tables, dice, and roulette wheels were seized during the operation.
At first sight, it appears that the police have made a significant accomplishment in their efforts against illicit gambling. But the organizers have released another statement saying that their events are only themed parties without cash or stakes.
What's the deal?
The organizers argue that they've been running these parties legally and may have been misinterpreted by the authorities. This could inadvertently put their livelihoods at stake, since they've hosted many such events in the past. The police are currently looking into ten individuals linked to the casino organizing and plan to interrogate 70 employees.
The organizers seem certain of their innocence and have enlisted legal representation. No one from the authorities has responded to media queries about whether they've misunderstood the situation.
Feeling the heat on Mallorca
Casinos and gambling halls are common on Mallorca and its surrounding islands. To curb their numbers, the authorities are planning to limit the number of gambling venues to 75 per million people, which is still higher than the national average. Last year, there were plans to implement further measures, like keeping them a certain distance from schools, implementing restricted opening hours, and banning advertisements.
In the line of fire for cash-free gambling
If the Balearic gambling law is interpreted strictly, hosting a gambling-themed party without an official permit could cost both the organizers and the participants up to 450,000 euros in fines. But for these penalties to be enforced, it must be proven that there was indeed real money involved, as well as that the gambling was criminal.
It'll be intriguing to see whether the authorities will deem these parties as illegal gambling or just harmless themed events. Mallorca tightens gambling regulations - The Balearic government is committed to reducing the number of gambling venues on the island. While tourists are the main gamblers, efforts are primarily aimed at protecting the local population.
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Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
